Catamaran sail from Alyki: Despotiko, Antiparos & Blue Lagoon

The skipper sails by passion, not just schedule.

A six-hour catamaran cruise from Alyki visits three islands: Despotiko's Mafalda cove for swimming and paddleboarding, Antiparos's sea cave and cliff-jumping spot, and the Blue Lagoon. The boat carries snorkeling gear, stand-up paddleboards, Greek appetizers, coffee, wine, beer and ouzo; the skipper's sailing expertise shapes the route and pace.

Step-by-step itinerary

Luxury catamaran cruise and swimming

• Depart from Alyki
• Sail to Mafalda cove, swim and paddleboard
• Enjoy appetizers on board
• Cliff jump and snorkel in Antiparos sea cave
• Visit Blue Lagoon, swim and relax
• Enjoy exclusive appetizers and drinks

The Experience

The boat leaves Alyki with sails hoisted, heading southwest toward Despotiko. The first stop is Mafalda cove, a sheltered anchorage on Despotiko's south side where the water stays still enough for the stand-up paddleboards to work and the snorkeling to matter. You swim, paddle, or float on the cushions while Greek appetizers come around—olives, cheese, cured meats, the kind of spread that tastes different on a boat. The skipper's passion for sailing means the route adjusts to wind and light; you're not following a fixed itinerary but riding the conditions he reads.

Antiparos comes next. The south coast holds a sea cave you can swim through, and the cliff face above it is high enough that cliff jumping is the draw for anyone who wants it. The rock formations here are dramatic—not a postcard version of them, but the actual stone rising out of water so blue it looks false. Snorkeling gear is ready if you'd rather stay in the water exploring. Coffee and tea are available throughout, along with beer, wine, ouzo and souma, a grappa-style spirit from Paros itself.

The Blue Lagoon is saved for last, when the afternoon light hits it straight. This is the archipelago's most famous swimming spot—the water so clear you see the bottom, the views opening to both Antiparos and Paros across the water. More exclusive appetizers arrive here, the final course of the day. The catamaran itself is built for this: benches, cushions, floating loungers at every stop, and enough shade that you're not baking between swims. Masks, snorkels and noodles are provided; you bring nothing but a towel and sunscreen.

What’s included

• Snorkeling masks and snorkels.
• two stand-up paddleboards.
• Greek appetizers at two stops.
• coffee and tea.
• beer, wine, ouzo and souma.
• soft drinks and water.
• floating cushions and loungers on deck.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Cruises to Antiparos and BLUE LAGOON or Naxos and KOUFONISIA

Is this one for you?The pace is set by sailing conditions and the skipper's eye for wind, not a fixed schedule, so mornings with light winds move slower and afternoons with better air move faster—book this if you want the day to breathe instead of tick through checkpoints.

Top questions

What's the water like for swimming at Despotiko's Mafalda cove?

Mafalda cove sits sheltered on Despotiko's south side, so the water stays calm enough for paddleboarding and snorkeling. The bottom is visible and the cove is deep enough that you can swim freely without hitting sand.

Can I cliff jump at Antiparos, or is it optional?

Cliff jumping at Antiparos is offered as an option—the rock formations on the south coast have a jump point, but snorkeling in the sea cave is available if you'd rather stay in the water that way.

What food and drinks are included on the cruise?

Greek appetizers (olives, cheese, cured meats) are served at Despotiko and exclusive appetizers at the Blue Lagoon; coffee, tea, water, beer, wine, ouzo and souma (a Paros grappa) are available throughout the day.

How long is the cruise, and when does it depart from Alyki?

The cruise runs six hours total. Departure time from Alyki is set by the operator; confirm your exact pickup time when you book.

Is snorkeling gear provided, or do I need to bring my own?

Masks, snorkels and noodles are provided on board. You don't need to bring snorkeling equipment.

What are the stand-up paddleboards like, and do I need experience?

Two SUPs are available at Mafalda cove for anyone to use. No experience is required; the cove's calm water is suitable for all fitness levels.